A planning application for a foot and cycle bridge linking Fulham and Battersea has been approved by Wandsworth Council.

It is now due to be considered by Hammersmith and Fulham Council's planning applications committee next month.

Architects One-world design plan to build the Diamond Jubilee Footbridge close to Chelsea Harbour Pier, where the Queen boarded her barge at the flotilla last year in memory of the jubilee celebrations.

The free-standing bridge will be 18.4m high and stretch 170m across the River Thames, just west of the existing Grade II* listed railway bridge, from Imperial Wharf in Fulham to Lombard Road in Battersea. It will be the first new Thames crossing in a decade

It is estimated to cost £22m and developers are looking to the private sector for funding, similar to the cycle hire scheme or the 02 Arena.

Wandsworth's planning committee on June 6 heard there was overwhelming support for the bridge, with the House of Commons first acknowledging the need for a bridge in the area back in 1924.

MP Jane Ellison attended to back the applications, while many neighbours noted the benefits of the bridge for commuting.

A postcard campaign asking for feedback received 474 positive comments and only one objection.

Ms Ellison said: "This is fantastic news for our area as the bridge would bring real benefits to both local residents and businesses.

"Hundreds of people wrote in response to the campaign I've been running about the Jubilee Footbridge, so we know it has great local support."

A comment from the Battersea Society said: "The proposed bridge would significantly improve access to the riverside creating an attractive route linking north and south banks.

"The proposal would provide a positive boost to small businesses in Battersea Village and help sustain the areas local employment and vitality."

The bridge needs to be approved by a planning committee at Hammersmith and Fulham Council and the Greater London Authority before it goes ahead.

On their Facebook page, One-world design say: " This is an important milestone and a great step in the right direction towards realising our vision. We would like to thank Hotel Rafayel and Palace Investments for their continued support and Expedition Engineering, Beckett Rankine and the planning department at Wandsworth for their instrumental advice and input. We now look forward to the committee meeting at Hammersmith & Fulham next month. "